Jeffrey AronsonTime to give the engineering and design boffins at Jaguar Land Rover their due; just when we thought the Defender L663 could not go “above and beyond,” Land Rover launched the Defender OCTA at global reveal events last May and June, with its first public showing last July.
My understanding of gems leans towards zirconium, but Land Rover states they chose the OCTA name because the octahedron cut of a diamond produces one of the most balanced and desirable jewels possible; I’ll take their word for it.
JLR invited Rovers Magazine to the OCTA’s reveal in Brooklyn, NY, at a former mob warehouse turned “event space.” (Instead of checking you for a wire, the staff taped over your cellphone cameras.) Three OCTAs appeared on a terrace overlooking the Manhattan skyline. Memo to Defender – of your three “exclusive new premium metallic finishes,” an OCTA in Petra Copper should appear in every promotion.
In an interview for Rovers Magazine, Colin Kirkpatrick, JLR’s Chief Program Engineer, noted the OCTA project started about 4.5 years ago. He lauded the “significantly improved off-road capabilities, stronger undershield protection and built-in recovery points, with off-road dynamics different than those of the standard Defender.” This model will be available in the 110-wheelbase only.
The twin turbo, mild-hybrid 4.4-liter V8 offers 626 hp/553 lb-ft of torque (available between 1,800–6,000 rpm). The OCTA sits 1 inch higher with a 2.7-inch wider stance. Wading depth increases to 3.3 feet. Software tweaks, “6D Dynamics” suspension (larger control arms,
“hydraulically interlinked continuously variable semi-active dampers,” greater wheel articulation) and larger Brembo brakes with new anti-lock features, enhance off-road control, particularly on gravel surfaces. Standard tires come in a 33” diameter, with Goodyear (specifically for the OCTA), BF Goodrich and Michelin as choices.
With 13,960 additional tests passed before launch, 155 mph top speed, 0–60 in 3.8 seconds, greater off-road prowess, increased on-road capability, unique interior options – JLR has stretched the Defender model lineup to stratospheric heights. We think these accomplishments are Fabulously British.